Quick-Lock Threaded Rod Anchor for No-Rotation Ceiling Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installers face challenges in assembling pre-fabricated sub-assemblies on ceilings and structures without rotating threaded rods, as conventional methods require disassembly to engage rods with internal threads, leading to inefficiencies in installation labor.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing embedded in concrete, featuring a securement portion, flange, and plunger pieces biased by springs to securely engage threaded rods, allowing for easy assembly and adjustment without rod rotation, using a quick-lock plunger mechanism that includes tapered bore and internally threaded plunger pieces to engage external threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional beam clamps, anchor bolts, and strut nuts are used to secure threaded rods, then the threaded rods can be locked to structures, but the threaded rods must be rotated into internal threads which requires disassembly of pre-fabricated sub-assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the threaded rod into internal threads as in conventional devices, this invention inverts the approach by having the threaded rod engage with externally threaded plunger pieces that are biased outward. The plunger pieces are forced inward by spring pressure to engage the rod's external threads, eliminating the need for rod rotation and disassembly of pre-fabricated sub-assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger pieces are spring-biased to automatically engage with the threaded rod when the rod is inserted. The spring pressure forces the plunger pieces inward to thread onto the rod, and the system self-locks without requiring additional assembly steps or disassembly of pre-fabricated components.
2Productivity
If pre-fabricated sub-assemblies are used to maximize installation labor savings, then installation efficiency is improved, but the threaded rods cannot be assembled without rotating them which defeats the labor savings
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger pieces are pre-positioned within the housing and spring-biased to be in an outwardly biased position ready to engage the threaded rod. This preliminary preparation allows the rod to be quickly inserted and locked without rotation, maximizing installation efficiency and eliminating the time loss associated with disassembly and reassembly of pre-fabricated sub-assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If the plunger pieces are spring-biased to engage the threaded rod, then quick locking is achieved, but the housing must accommodate the spring mechanism increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is integrated within the housing structure, merging the spring, plunger pieces, and housing into a unified assembly. The housing contains recesses and features that accommodate the spring and plunger pieces, combining multiple functions into a single compact device that achieves quick locking without excessive complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure and efficient locking of threaded rods to concrete structures, facilitating easier assembly and adjustment, reducing labor costs and improving installation efficiency by allowing threaded rods to be locked and adjusted without disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
A first biasing member can be arranged within the securement portion to urge the plunger pieces into engagement with the threaded rod
Implementation Method 2
A second biasing member can be disposed around a portion of the housing to bias the flange away from the metal decking
Data Source
AI summary
A device for securing threaded rod relative to concrete and plywood forms is provided. The device can include a housing with a securement portion and a plurality of plungers to engage with the threaded rod. The securement portion can be slidably received in a base configured to be seated on a setting structure. Fasteners can secure the device to the setting structure. A tapered portion of the housing can engage the plungers to secure a threaded rod.